Union County is one of the busiest crossroads in New Jersey. The New Jersey Turnpike, Routes 1&9, the Garden State Parkway, Route 22 and I-78 all run through the county, carrying commuters, airport traffic and trucks heading to and from the Port of Elizabeth. Dense neighborhoods in Elizabeth, Plainfield and Linden add heavy local and pedestrian traffic. When a crash leaves you injured, the insurance company starts working to pay you as little as possible, often within hours.

IBEZIM LAW OFFICES, PC helps car accident victims across Union County from our offices in Elizabeth and Union. Attorney Sebastian O. Ibezim, Jr. has practiced law in New Jersey since 1997 and in New York since 1999, with nearly 30 years of trial and litigation experience. We listen, explain every step, and handle your claim from start to finish. The consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Why Union County Roads See So Many Car Accidents

Union County combines crowded cities, a major seaport and airport, and some of the state’s busiest highways. That mix leads to frequent, serious collisions on these roads:

If you were hit while walking or riding a bike or e-bike, see our pedestrian and bicycle accident pages.

Common Injuries in Union County Car Accidents

• Head and brain injuries: concussions and traumatic brain injuries, even in crashes at lower speeds.
• Neck and back injuries: whiplash, herniated discs and spinal cord damage.
• Broken bones: fractured wrists, ribs, hips and legs from impact with the dashboard, steering wheel or door.
• Internal injuries: bleeding or organ damage that may not show symptoms for a day or two.
• Emotional trauma: anxiety, sleep problems and fear of driving after a serious crash.

See a doctor the same day if you can, even if you feel fine. Delayed treatment is one of the first things insurance companies use to argue that your injuries aren’t serious.

New Jersey Car Accident Law: What It Means for Your Union County Claim

For a deeper look at these deadlines, read New Jersey’s car accident statute of limitations.

Where Union County car accident cases are heard: Car accident lawsuits arising in Union County are generally filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division, Union County, at the courthouse in Elizabeth. Our Elizabeth office is close to the courthouse.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on your injuries, your treatment, the available insurance coverage and the evidence of fault.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Union County

1. Call 911 and get medical care. A police report creates an official record, and early treatment protects both your health and your claim.
2. Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, traffic signs and your injuries. Get the other driver’s license, plate and insurance information, and the contact details of any witnesses.
3. Report the crash to your insurer. Open your PIP claim promptly, but stick to the basic facts.
4. Don’t give a recorded statement to the other insurer. Their adjuster is looking for words to use against you. See what not to say after a car accident.
5. Don’t accept a quick settlement. Early offers rarely cover future medical care and lost income.
6. Call a Union County car accident lawyer. We’ll explain your options at no cost.

Why Union County Accident Victims Choose Us

• Two Union County offices: Elizabeth and Union. Meetings are by appointment.
• Nearly 30 years of trial experience: insurers know we are ready to take a case to court.
• Personal attention: you get clear answers and regular updates from your legal team, not a call center.
• No upfront costs: the consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation.
• We speak your language: multilingual service, so you understand every step.
• We come to you: if your injuries keep you at home or in the hospital, we can meet you there.

We also handle truck accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents throughout Union County, from Elizabeth, Linden and Rahway to Plainfield, Cranford, Westfield, Hillside and Summit.

FAQ: Union County Car Accident Claims

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Union County?

Most car accident lawsuits in New Jersey must be filed within 2 years of the crash. If a public entity was involved, you may have to file a notice of claim within 90 days. Call early so no deadline is missed.

I was hit by a truck near the port or the Turnpike. Who is responsible?

Possibly several parties, including the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader or a maintenance company. Each may carry its own insurance, so evidence such as driver logs and black box data should be preserved quickly.

The driver was charged with a crime. Do I still need a civil claim?

Yes. A criminal case punishes the driver, but it doesn’t pay your medical bills, lost wages or pain and suffering. Your injury claim is a separate case, and its deadlines keep running while the criminal case moves forward.

Can I recover if I was partly at fault?

Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much does a Union County car accident lawyer cost?

The consultation is free, and you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. We explain the fee agreement, including case costs, before you sign anything.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Usually not. First offers often come before the full extent of your injuries is known. Talk to a lawyer before you sign anything or accept payment. Read more about how long a car accident settlement takes in NJ.